Elmer R. Butler's Obituary
BUTLER, Elmer R., age 95, of Lebanon and formerly of South Lebanon, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Elmer honorably served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He retired in the early 90s from GM after nearly 40 years of service to the company. During his career, he was a member of the local IUE #801. Elmer was a member of the Dodds Pentecostal Church in Waynesville for over 50 years. In addition, he was an active member of the Lebanon Masonic Lodge #26 (past Master), Lebanon Chapter #5 Royal Arch Masons (past High Priest), Lebanon Council #134 Royal and Select Masters (past Illustrious Master), Miami Commandry #22 Knights Templar, Order of the High Priesthood, Order of the Silver Trowel, and Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton. He was also a member of the Kentucky Colonels.
Family-oriented, happy, caring, and loving, Elmer was eternally optimistic and positive. He loved the Lord with all his heart and always sought the good in people. He was very intelligent and knew his way around a computer, keeping his finances, his son’s financial books, and preparing the taxes of many friends and family members. He was a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds and greatly enjoyed the games, either at the ballpark or on the radio and TV. His favorite hobbies included fishing and camping. His favorite fishing holes were at Cowan Lake and Pine Lake with his wife in Mason. Camping trips became a fun family tradition, especially those to Big Bone Lick in Kentucky and Cowan Lake and Hillside Haven in Clinton County. Elmer and his wife also enjoyed traveling, with trips out west and several trips to Hawaii with church friends being some of his favorites. His other favorite traditions involved the many holidays and family gatherings. In addition, sometimes to the dismay of his kids regarding snapping beans, gardening was also a family tradition that has become fond memories of time spent together. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of listening to gospel music and his extensive collection of old Western movies. But, of course, he was most proud of the time spent with his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline, in 2019; his parents, Charles Sr. and Ethel Butler; four brothers, Edward, Eugene, James, and Charles Butler Jr.; and one sister, Virginia Lawrence. He is survived by three sons, David (Karen) Butler, Joseph (Donna) Butler, and Paul (Kelli) Butler; one daughter Diana (David) Sharp; nine grandsons, Aaron (Kelley) Butler, Andrew Butler, Austin (Jenny) Butler, A.J. Butler, Kenneth Butler, Jonathan (Jess) Butler, Matt Butler, Joshua (Jill) Butler, and Justin (Amanda) Butler; 12 great-grandchildren Brianna, Brayden, Cody Ranz, Kensey Ranz, Nevaeh, Nehemiah, Molly, Trenton, Camilla, Florence, Lucy, and Hannah; two brothers, John and Leonard Butler; one sister, Elsie Tarter; and special friends, Marion Wilson and Keith Wilson.
The family will receive friends 6 - 8 PM Thursday, May 11, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A Masonic and Scottish Rite service will be held immediately following the visitation at 8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, May 12, at Anchor of Hope Church in Lebanon, with Bill Lamb and E.J. Lamb officiating. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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